We can agree to disagree on the validity of Verbeek's plan. I think it is clear from his actions that he did not see adding talent to what was already here as the path he wanted to take. I agree with his assessment, you don't. What I don't understand is why (you and others) keep harping on the moves he made. He made those moves intentionally. He knew Ducks would be bad this year. He wants a top 3 draft pick. He knew he couldn't replace Lindholm and Manson and didn't try to.
What the hell is this "thinking past the sale" propaganda you're spewing?
Did Verbeek have a choice? Yes, he did. Stop lying to yourself that a GM doesn't have options.
Now, you don't like the fact there was another path available for Verbeek. I presented three other teams in two different seasons where they were like us, a rebuild team. Those three teams added significant talents to their roster and either made the playoffs or are going to make the playoffs. I brought facts and you're bringing misdirection b/c you can't counter facts.
That wasn't the path Verbeek chose, apparently. Verbeek chose the "long and winding road" b/c he's got a clinical way of doing things by his rubric and can't deviate. I identified this at the TDL. I've been one of the minuscule group not bitching about this season b/c I already knew at the TDL it would be a long way back. Maybe you don't read my stuff enough that you're reiterating what I said and not realizing it. The Verbeekening happened and I bought in when it happened b/c we can't change the f***ing past. I've been consistent about how long it'll be and shared how through the seasons. But let's not have tunnel vision to not acknowledge there was another option.
As for replacing Lindholm and Manson, Verbeek tried to nab Klingberg in a multi-year contract. Then he traded for Kulikov before the season started. Verbeek expected us to be a .500 team this season.
Now, onto more pressing matters. Verbeek is doing what Murray was doing, which is a rebuild and not add much. Murray set the table with three top-10 picks in three seasons with Zegras, Drysdale, McTavish. Rather than continuing to layer the roster with balance like Murray, Verbeek doesn't care about the present so he can layer the roster with balance into the future. Both GMs will end up at the same place, but at different time intervals. Murray's interval would have been pressing for a playoff spot this year where as Verbeek is pressing for a playoff spot in 4-6 years.
The assets Verbeek gave up on vs the assets he's acquired has proven that Verbeek has misjudged talent, especially when he cited an expectation of being a .500 team this season. I knew we would be worse b/c I did the math, it's all those tables you hate. Thank goodness Klingberg passed up on Verbeek's initial multi-year contract! Sometimes, it's better to be lucky than good.
but it’s very easy to spot the guy.
